Yuendumu pool opening

The new 2.4 million dollar Yuendumu pool opened with a splash on Thursday as local school kids made use of the new 'yes pool, yes school' policy.

The policy has a very simple message for desert kids desperate for a swim on a hot day: If you don't turn up to school, then you don't get to swim with the other kids in the afternoon.

It's a policy which has seen a big uptake in school attendance in other remote communities such as Kintore which built a new pool earlier this year.

Mt Theo Outstation co-ordinator Robbie Wallet who was the first adult in the pool at the opening says the pool is really designed to get school attendance numbers up.

"We need to get our kids educated...At the moment the percentage of attendance is a bit lower than average," says Robbie.

Darren Talbot, the pool manager will work closely with the local school to make sure the policy is administered properly.

"The school will bring down roll sheets and then they'll get a wrist band with their names on it and when they come through here we'll know who they are. We pretty much know who all the kids are so they've got no chance," says Darren.

Apart from the education benefits the school will bring to the local community, the pool will also lead to improved health in reducing ear, nose and throat infections.

Employment opportunities

Ten locals who travelled to Sydney earlier this year to gain their bronze medallion already have employment at the pool as lifesavers.

Pool manager Darren Talbot says this is a great opportunity for the young people.

"For them to have a lifeguard skill behind them if they want to move away from Yuendumu there's another job for them which they can just walk in with their qualifications," says Darren.

One of the new lifesavers, Bruno Wilson, says the pool will deliver education outcomes for the community.

"School is very important, education is the key.

"We'll be opening the pool after school so the more kids who go to school, the more can come to the pool," says Bruno.

Community money

One third of the money for the pool was raised by the community itself with 400,000 dollars in mining royalties from the nearby Granites goldmine going towards the pool.

Former Community President, Harry Nelson, says it was a big decision for the community to combine this money for one project rather than divide it up individually.

"It was a hard decision but after a long discussion among our people we thought it would be good.

"Instead of royalty money going to individuals it will go to the pool which will stay there forever," says Harry.

Other funding for the pool was raised from art sales as well as private donations.